AffloVest® Improves Lung Function in Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis

AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The release of a new clinical study demonstrates lung function improvements for a group of teens with cystic fibrosis.  In the study entitled, "An evidence-based study of adolescents with cystic fibrosis demonstrated that AffloVest® by International Biophysics contributed to improved lung function scores," Michael Cooper, RT, of Chicago, IL, details his findings with a group of five cystic fibrosis patients using the AffloVest over many months.  Mr. Cooper is committed to achieving both improved long-term care management and improved quality of life for patients with chronic breathing ailments, and noticed a real difference when patients used the AffloVest vs. older air bladder technology high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) devices.

"When I see something good, I start gathering data and that lead to my clinical study. I saw my patient's numbers improving, and I believed we had something that could help my patients live longer, better lives," Cooper said.  The science behind the AffloVest offers several advantages over the older technology air bladder vests that use hoses and loud, heavy air generators which were originally introduced in the 1980's.  The patents pending AffloVest, introduced in the USA in late 2013, uses mechanical wave technology to generate waveforms from 8 oscillating motors sewn into the AffloVest.  These 8 individual percussive waves effectively create disruption and mobilize secretions in the lungs. 

AffloVest is self-contained, completely portable, quiet and operates with a rechargeable battery.  This gives patients total freedom and mobility.  Because of this, Mr. Cooper noticed a change in his patients.  "These teens were wearing AffloVest while playing basketball and dancing, something I had never seen before," Cooper said.  This portability and ease of use facilitated better treatment compliance.

The study documents before and after AffloVest treatment lung function values for the five patients followed in his study.  Mr. Cooper reports that he looks at FEV1 for the largest sign of improvement as it highlights overall lung function in the larger airways.  The goal is getting that number to improve ≥ 10%.  "With the AffloVest, I saw an overall 11.5% increase, with one patient achieving an 18.8% increase. I felt that I had uncovered a true clinical discovery.  In addition, I also noted positive changes on the FVC, FVC to FEV1 ratio as well as favorable results in the FEF 25/75," Cooper stated.

These adolescents were all using air bladder type HFCWO vests prior to the study.  "Many devices and variables can improve lung function scores, but they are usually less than 10%, which is considered suboptimal.  But when you see 11.5% improvements, I knew we had something important here.  Compliance can be tough, especially with adolescents and college-aged patients.  With the freedom and mobility the AffloVest provided, I knew my patient's were doing their treatments.  The improved numbers confirmed what they were telling me."

David Shockley, CEO of International Biophysics Corporation, the company who has the AffloVest, stated, "We are pleased to see these enhanced lung function scores in Mr. Cooper's CF patients.  When he contacted us about his clinical study, we didn't even know that he had done this study.  However, the results reinforced the positive feedback we had received from other patients and clinicians over the last year.  It is so rare now to see a clinical study being done without corporate funding or direction.  Mr. Cooper is a true investigating clinician who deeply cares about his patient's well-being.  He told me he wants the very best for "his kids" as he refers to them.  It is so gratifying to see how the AffloVest is truly impacting these lives."

This clinical study is a must read for those treating patients of any age with lung ailments such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and neuromuscular diseases.  The paper can be read and downloaded at:  www.afflovest.com/clinicalstudy

International Biophysics Corporation has been developing, manufacturing and marketing medical and surgical devices globally for over 20+ years.  ISO 13485 Certified, FDA registered, headquartered in Austin, Texas, International Biophysics specializes in both Cardiovascular and Pulmonary devices.

For more information, visit us at www.afflovest.com

SOURCE International Biophysics Corporation

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